It is estimated that 2.25 million people in India live with cancer. Along with the tiring chemo sessions and daily medicines, there is one thing that they need to recover – your care and support.
These tips will help you care for your loved one.
Educate Yourself
Learn as much as you can about the cancer type, treatment options as potential side effects. The more you know about the disease, the more confident you and your loved one will feel and can make informed decisions. Cancer Sahyog, Cancer Assist, Cancer Care India, are some renowned cancer awareness and support groups you can look up to.
Be Proactive
Take charge and plan as much as possible to avoid last-minute emergencies. Identify problems, see what you need, and follow through. Keep a record of their medical history, test results, and medications. The doctor’s appointments, names, contact information, pharmacy numbers, etc.
Let Them Take Lead
Your loved one has to a lot to take, so it’s better to not tell them what to think, feel or how to act. Let them tell you, and you offer all the support that you can. Accept their bad days, give them their space, and don’t take things personally.
Take A Break From Cancer
Because your loved one has cancer, does not mean things always need to be about that. Take a break and try not to bring this subject up, unless they want to talk about it. Encourage them to do the things they love, do something fun together, or find gifts that reflects who he/she is (books, art, tickets to an event.) Let your actions prove that you see him or her as a person, not as a cancer patient.
Take Care Of Yourself Too
Caregiving is not an easy job and can consume you. It’s okay to take some time off for yourself. There should be no guilt there. Every day, do something that relaxes you and makes you happy. Even if its for a few minutes, or something small. Take care of your mental and physical fatigue. You can try deep breathing or listen to guided meditations.
There will be good days, there will be bad days. But, as long as you’re in it with your loved one, there’s always hope!
All the tips mentioned above are a general overview of tips that might help you with caregiving. These are not alternatives to a doctor’s advice and guidance. Please consult your doctor.
Read more: My Mind & I
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